The appeal trial of former Algerian Prime Ministers Ahmed Ouyahia and Abdelmalek Sellal opened yesterday at the Algiers Court of Appeal. The trial was initially scheduled for February 12 but was postponed. Ouyahia and Sellal, along with several other former ministers and businessmen, were convicted in December of corruption and other crimes related to the automotive industry and financing of political parties and the 2019 presidential campaign.
The defendants were handed severe sentences in the initial trial. Ouyahia received a 15-year prison sentence, a 2 million Algerian dinar fine, and confiscation of his assets. Sellal was sentenced to 12 years in prison and a 1 million Algerian dinar fine. Other defendants, including former ministers Abdessalem Bouchouareb, Youcef Yousfi, and Mahdjoub Bedda, also received prison sentences and fines. The defense team for Ouyahia and Sellal challenged the trial's format, citing the defendants' exceptional legal status as former prime ministers, but the prosecutor rejected the request.
During the trial, Ouyahia denied all allegations of corruption and receiving bribes. He claimed he was merely executing orders from former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, under whom he served as prime minister four times. Ouyahia stated that he was aware of the government's inner workings and tasks, having been designated as head of government multiple times. He also asserted that the authorizations for automotive projects were issued before his tenure as prime minister.
Ouyahia further claimed that the projects in question had only been in existence for three years and that it was premature to judge their success. He alleged that the case against him and others was orchestrated by foreign parties whose interests were threatened by the automotive projects. However, he did not specify which foreign parties were involved. Ouyahia maintained his previous statement regarding 30 billion Algerian dinars found in his bank account, stating that he had simply omitted to declare them to investigators.
Sellal's son, Fares Sellal, was also convicted in the initial trial, receiving a 3-year prison sentence. Other businessmen, including Ahmed Mazouz, Hassan Larbaoui, and Mohamed Bairi, received prison sentences and fines. The court also issued an international arrest warrant for Bouchouareb, who was tried in absentia. The defense team for the defendants argued that the trial should be dismissed due to procedural issues, but the prosecutor rejected this request.
The trial is part of a broader crackdown on corruption in Algeria. The case involves allegations of corruption, embezzlement, and misuse of power by high-ranking officials and businessmen. The defendants' lawyers argued that the trial was unfair and that their clients were being targeted for political reasons. The prosecution presented evidence and testimony from witnesses, including former government officials and businessmen.
The appeal trial is ongoing, with the court yet to deliver a verdict. The case has garnered significant attention in Algeria, with many observers watching to see how the country's justice system handles corruption cases involving high-ranking officials. The trial's outcome may have implications for Algeria's efforts to combat corruption and promote accountability.
Key points
- Former Algerian Prime Ministers Ahmed Ouyahia and Abdelmalek Sellal face appeal trial for corruption and other crimes.
- Ouyahia and Sellal were initially convicted in December of corruption and other crimes related to the automotive industry and financing of political parties and the 2019 presidential campaign.
- The appeal trial is part of a broader crackdown on corruption in Algeria, with the court yet to deliver a verdict.
